Mirtazapine is a tetracyclic anti-depressant that is prescribed by veterinarians to treat a wide range of conditions, from behavioral problems to loss of appetite in cats. Mirtazapine is particularly useful for patients with anxiety and sleep disturbance. It has a rapid onset of action in comparison to many anti-depressant medications. It has a dual mechanism of action, being both a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic drug (NaSSA). Mirtazapine is metabolized primarily by the liver.
Mirtazapine was created to treat depression in humans, but was found to be very beneficial in stimulating appetite in pets. It is usually administered to pets suffering from conditions like renal failure and stomach disease. In addition, it aids with loss of appetite or nausea associated with cancer treatments. Mirtazapine is sold per tablet and requires a prescription from your veterinarian.
Description
Mirtazapine (brand name: Remeron) is similar to tricyclic anti-depressants. It is used most commonly by veterinarians to treat nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss, mainly in cats. Rarely, it may be used to treat behavioral problems. Mirtazapine comes in pill form and is given orally (by mouth). In some cases, your veterinarian may have the pills compounded into liquid form to make oral dosing easier, especially for cats.
Uses/benefits of Mirtazapine For Dogs
In dogs and cats, mirtazapine may be useful as an appetite stimulant and to prevent vomiting and motion sickness. The FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration) has approved this drug for use in humans, but it is not off icially approved for use in animals. The FDA allows veterinarians to prescribe products containing this drug in diff erent species or for other conditions in certain situations. You and your veterinarian can discuss why this drug is the most appropriate choice.
- Mirtazapine is a medication used commonly in cats and dogs to stimulate their appetite or to reduce vomiting episodes due to chemotherapy treatments.
- Mirtazapine is also prescribed by veterinarians to control undesired weight loss in cats with underlying conditions including kidney, dental, or gastrointestinal diseases.
Drug Interactions with Mirtazapine
Based on human literature, mirtazapine has fewer drug-interactions than many of the other drugs used to treat depression. There is no specific information available about treatment in cats. Mirtazapine has a wide margin of safety in humans. No information was found in the literature regarding cats. If an overdose is recognized promptly, gut-emptying protocols can be tried.
Precautions for Using Mirtazapine
Mirtazapine should not be prescribed or administered to a patient that is hypersensitive or allergic to the medication. It also should be used with caution whenever the animal is taking other medications, as it can interact with other drugs, including Tramadol and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
Dosage and Administration of Mirtazapine
Mirtazapine is available from compounding pharmacies in varying strengths of oral and topical formulations. The dosage, formulation, and frequency of administration are determined according to what the drug is being used to treat and the type and size of animal receiving the treatment. Since this medication is an anti-depressant, abrupt cessation of the drug is not recommended. The animal should be weaned off mirtazapine over an acceptable period of time.
Dosing: Dogs: 0.6mg/kg PO every 24 hours (not to exceed 30mg per day)
Dogs < 20lbs = 3.75mg PO every 24 hours
21 – 50lbs = 7.5mg PO every 24 hours
51 – 75lbs = 15mg PO every 24 hours
> 75lbs = 15mg PO every 12 hours or 30mg PO every 24 hours
Cats: 3 – 4mg PO every 72 hours
Prices of Mirtazapine For Dogs
$10.12 -$20.47